Several other players, including Andre Russell (Kolkata Knight Riders), Shimron Hetmyer (Rajasthan Royals), Alzarri Joseph (Royal Challengers Bengaluru), and Sherfane Rutherford (KKR), will remain in India for the IPL tournament.
Meanwhile, Nicholas Pooran (Lucknow Super Giants) and Shai Hope (Delhi Capitals) are being rested. If RCB and KKR do not reach the IPL 2024 final, Joseph and Rutherford will join the West Indies’ T20I squad against South Africa.
Desmond Haynes, the lead selector, emphasized the importance of the series against South Africa, stating, “These are among the last competitive T20 international matches before the start of the World Cup. Players have the opportunity to fine-tune their skills and ensure they are as prepared as they can be for the World Cup, whether they are in the final squad or reserve pool.”
The West Indies head coach, Daren Sammy, mentioned that the team recently completed a high-intensity training camp in Antigua. He said, “We have not played together as a team since the Australia series, but we just completed a very high-intensity training camp in Antigua. Now we have the chance to integrate some of our players returning from the IPL and build some momentum as a group going into the World Cup.”
Shamar Joseph, a pacer, has the opportunity to make his T20I debut for the West Indies in the upcoming series against South Africa. He was also included in the World Cup 2024 squad. Following the series against the Proteas, the West Indies will face Australia in a warm-up match on May 30.
West Indies squad for T20I series vs South Africa:
Brandon King (C), Roston Chase, Alick Athanaze, Johnson Charles, Andre Fletcher, Mathew Forde, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Obed McCoy, Gudakesh Motie, Romario Shepherd, Hayden Walsh.
(Inputs from ANI)
